Open-pit mining makes full use of resources, reduces dilution rates, and has advantages such as fast construction, large production capacity, and high labor productivity. As mining depth and scale increase, selecting the right transportation equipment can not only improve mining efficiency but also save a significant amount of manpower and materials, thereby reducing costs and improving effectiveness.
Open-pit Mining Production Process
The production process of open-pit mining is mainly divided into three types: intermittent transportation mining process, semi-continuous transportation mining process, and continuous transportation mining process. Each process has different transportation equipment requirements.
Intermittent Transportation Mining Process
Intermittent transportation mining refers to the transportation process of mineral rock, which is performed intermittently during the transportation work. It mainly involves dump trucks, railway transportation, and combined transportation methods.
- Dump Truck Transportation
Dump trucks are very common in open-pit mining and are characterized by strong flexibility and simple pit line development. They are suitable for mining operations with multiple exits within the mining site. However, as mining depth increases and the mining area expands, transportation costs will rise. The optimal transportation distance for dump trucks is usually within 23 km, and for large dump trucks of more than 100 tons, the distance can extend up to 56 km. Excessively long distances can cause extended transportation cycles, preventing efficient resource circulation. - Railway Transportation
Railway transportation is suitable for large-scale, long-distance ore transportation, especially in deeper open-pit mines. Its advantages include lower transportation costs per ton-kilometer and high transport capacity, but it requires more complex line development and is less flexible with changes in mine layout. Railway transportation is suitable for open-pit mines with a small mining depth (150-200 meters) and longer mining trends. Currently, railway transportation has been gradually replaced by belt conveyors due to its limitations compared to belt conveyors. - Combined Transportation
Combined transportation takes advantage of both railway and highway systems, providing an efficient transportation solution for mines with deeper depths and longer distances. The upper section uses railway transportation, and the lower section uses road transportation. Combined transportation mode connects the two transportation methods via transfer stations, reducing transportation costs within the mining site.
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Semi-continuous Transportation Mining Process
The semi-continuous transportation mining process involves intermittent operations, in which mineral rock from different working levels is transported to the loading station, crushed, and then moved to the unloading point via belt conveyors or other equipment. This process is especially suitable for deep open-pit mines.
- Belt Conveyor
Belt conveyor is widely used in open-pit mining and has excellent slope climbing ability (up to 27°). The large-angle belt conveyors produced by Zoomry Heavy Industries can reach up to 30°. Compared to dump truck transportation, belt conveyors offer significant advantages in long-distance transport and cost reduction. However, belt conveyor systems typically need to be set up in fixed locations, making them more suitable for long-term material transport. Additionally, when transporting hard ores, the conveyor belts tend to wear out. Therefore, it is crucial to select the appropriate material for conveyor belts, such as steel cord core belts, woven belts, or fabric core belts, and to perform regular maintenance and replacements to avoid unnecessary losses from sudden breakdowns. - Mobile Stacker
In addition to belt conveyors, mobile stackers are an ideal choice for large-scale material handling in deep open-pit mining. Mobile stackers can adjust their positions as needed and, when equipped with a rotatable and extendable conveyor arm, greatly enhance the efficiency of material stacking within the mine site. Zoomry Heavy Industries’ mobile stackers can handle up to 8,400 tons per hour, with an overall length of 65 meters. Their multiple mobility options allow for flexible adjustments in various terrains, and especially in complex mining environments, they deliver maximum performance. This makes them a top choice for flexible bulk material handling equipment. - Truck Unloader
Truck unloader is typically used to unload ore or other materials transported by trucks. It is highly adaptable and can significantly improve unloading efficiency. Particularly in mining sites with multiple exits, truck unloaders can quickly unload ore from trucks, reducing loading times and improving turnover efficiency. They are often used in conjunction with other transportation equipment such as belt conveyors or mobile stackers to further enhance operational efficiency.
Continuous Transportation Mining Process
The continuous transportation mining process is suitable for the extraction of soft ores, where a continuous operation method is used to transport mineral rock directly from the working face to the unloading point or dump site.
- Bucket Wheel Excavator and Chain Bucket Excavator
For soft ores, bucket wheel excavators or chain bucket excavators can directly extract and load materials with high operational efficiency. These machines transport the ore or waste materials to unloading points via belt conveyors. For hard ores, blasting is first required, followed by continuous loading of the blasted piles using bucket wheel or chain bucket excavators, which then transport the ore via belt conveyors to the designated locations. - Continuous Conveyor System
In continuous transportation processes, in addition to bucket wheel and chain bucket excavators, an efficient conveyor system is essential. This system typically includes belt conveyors and pipe conveyors, which can transport soft ores or waste materials over long distances, ensuring high efficiency and continuity during the transportation process.
Why Choose Zoomry Heavy Industries
As an industry leader, Zoomry Heavy Industries has won global trust through its many years of expertise in the development and manufacture of mobile ship loaders, stackers, belt conveyors, and other transportation equipment.
- Technological Innovation: Zoomry Heavy Industries invests continuously in R&D, launching innovative equipment tailored to customers’ needs. The latest equipment has reached its fourth generation, featuring excellent automation control systems and efficient, environmentally-friendly performance, ensuring all customer requirements are met while continuously creating value.
- High-Quality Products: Zoomry Heavy Industries strictly controls the entire production process, from material procurement to equipment manufacturing and final testing, ensuring the highest reliability and longevity of the equipment.
- Global Service: No matter where you are located, Zoomry Heavy Industries’ global after-sales network can provide timely technical support and equipment maintenance to ensure high operational efficiency.
- Customized Solutions: Zoomry Heavy Industries offers tailor-made solutions to meet your specific needs, ensuring equipment flexibility and applicability, and helping your project achieve its goals swiftly.
- Environmental and Efficient: Zoomry Heavy Industries’ equipment not only focuses on high operational efficiency but also strives for environmental protection, meeting global environmental standards to reduce the impact of production on the environment while fulfilling operational needs.
